Describe an early food experience that has influenced the way you think about food and/or cooking.My paternal grandmother was a fantastic baker. She would make individual pies for us, whatever kind we wanted. I always chose coconut cream. One of the first pies I ever made was in her kitchen -- blueberry made with blueberries my grandpa, sister and I had picked.

What's your least favorite food?Fishy-tasting fish like salmon. I have recently been persuaded to use anchovies in a salsa verde recipe (Pierino's Market Style Porchetta), something I was pretty frightened of, but glad I did because the resulting sauce was fabulous. (Big thanks to Pierino & gingerroot for helping me overcome my fear!!)

What is the best thing you've made so far this year?My husband and I have been making some really delicious grilled pizzas lately. A couple of memorable ones have been a kale with egg pizza (based on lapadia's Eggs on Greens Pizza) and fresh figs, gorgonzola, and arugula pizza. I definitely have a love of grilled pizza, that borders on obsession.

Describe your most spectacular kitchen disaster.My kitchen was a spectacular disaster after making a wedding cake a couple of weeks ago! It was so bad I couldn't face it until the next morning. Luckily my husband was out of town for the weekend, so he didn't have to suffer through my mess.

What is your idea of comfort food?When I got home after delivering the aforementioned cake I had a serious craving for LocalSavour's Warm Custard Spoon Bread. Perfectly warm, soft, and creamy comfort food in my book.

Apron or no apron?I made some really cute aprons for my nieces last Christmas so I am definitely pro-apron (see below)! Unfortunately I almost never think to put one on when I'm cooking!

What's your favorite food-related scene in a movie?I love the scene in Matilda when she makes pancakes as a 4-year-old. It's adorable!

If you could make a show-stopping dinner for one person, living or dead, who would it be?My entire immediate family (my parents & my 3 siblings) will be in Oregon for Thanksgiving this year. It's the first time in 15 or so years that we'll all be together. I can't wait to make an over-the-top Thanksgiving feast!

You prefer to cook: a. alone, b. with others, c. it depends on your mood.I'm a loner!

When it comes to tidying up, you usually: a. clean as you cook, b. do all the dishes once you've finished cooking, c. leave the kitchen a shambles for your spouse/roommate/kids to clean.Mostly b & c. Thank goodness for the invention of the dishwasher!

Love your q&a, hla! I too admire your creativity in the kitchen -- especially your talent for coming up with such imaginative and delicious-sounding recipes week after week. I am a fan of so many of your recipes. Glad that you have become an anchovy convert. I love their inimitable flavor. And your cake -- and aprons! -- are truly gorgeous! Well done!

Thank you, mrsL! I got the fabric & rickrack at a place called Fabric Depot in Portland. I'm pretty good at spinning poi, though must admit I only use LED poi balls. I've yet to be brave enough to spin fire poi!